My Creative Cup of Tea

November 10, 2023

#InPartnershipwithMCCOT

D1928

Nice

France

Sometimes it can happen that plans that you've made for yourself, unexpectedly, change. Letting you a little bit disappointed and forced to quickly get back on track anyway. That's life! But the good news is that a plan B can also turn out to be a true blessing in disguise. The latter can indeed bring you closer than ever to your true path. This is exactly what happened to 31-year-old Nice-born pharmacist Olivia Seitz who had to give up prematurely to the famous private beach 'Le Sporting' located on the Nice's Riviera, a beautiful place she purchased in 2017 at the young age of 25. Olivia had to make new plans in order to be able to start a new professional journey. She could, for sure, have chosen to go back to her comfort zone and return to her former job as a pharmacist, but she didn't. On the 4th October 2021 during the pandemic of covid-19, she woke up one morning and exactly knew what was next for her. She indeed decided that she wanted to pay tribute to her beloved roots and especially to the prestigious jewellery 'Maison Porchet' founded by her great grandfather Maurice Porchet in late 1928 and then successfully managed by her grandfather Jean and his wife and in the 90's by their children Christine, Alain et Thierry. Time has finally come for her to follow in the footsteps of two strong, passionate and talented women and role models she has admired since she was a child: her mom Christine and her 95-year-old Granny Denise. She established D1928 (D stands for Denise) her own high jewelry brand 'Hand made in Nice with love and dedication' by skilled artisans at the Maison Porchet's atelier, which is located in rue de la Liberté. Even though she has grown up surrounded by jewels, pearls and gemstones and knows quite well the family business- as a teen she used to travel with her mom to attend international fairs in Asia-, Olivia is starting from scratch as a young founder, jewel designer and creative director. Both optimistic and fatalist- as she loves describing herself- after what happened those last few years, Olivia is more than ever determined to keep her head high in the face of adversity and has welcomed this new challenging entrepreneurial journey of hers, with a smile and a lot of enthusiasm. She indeed is absolutely not afraid of 'learning to dance under the rain', an expression that she loves to use when it comes to dealing with life's difficulties. She is now rediscovering her roots and a true passion for the family business and its priceless legacy. As a proud member of the fourth generation, she is honoured to be able to pass on the unique know-how of the 105-year-old family business. It really seems that Life has brought her back home for a good reason. Every day, she is having fun with her talented mom- her creative binomial' as she called her- designing each jewel. She, of course, also can count on the expertise and the precious skills of Denise, who, at 95 years old, is at work every day, feminine and elegant as usual. In this new exciting adventure, Olivia has also involved Faustine Martin, her bestie from the university, a pharmacist like her, who is also a talented photographer and the brilliant author of the campaigns and lookbooks. Together, they are building a sophisticated and sensual identity brand. The young and passionate founder is looking to impose her own contemporary and innovative style. D1928 is literally pushing the boundaries of pearls. The first piece ever that Olivia designed, at the end of 2019, almost by chance in collaboration with her mom, was a very special ring inspired by brass knuckles. A one-of-kind ring called 'Sporting' in memory of the private beach and emblematic place, she was lucky to own for a few years. The first collection called 'Baie des Anges' is inspired by the French Riviera, Olivia's birth and happy place. As she is a committed free-spirit and a sporty woman, Olivia enjoys mixing and matching both old jewels of Maison Porchet with her favourite creations as the ring Coco-beach. Now she has found her true path, she is simply working hard and with all her heart, to find her place under the sun of Nice.